The Hawaiian Lei

The lei is a symbol with many meanings from welcome to thank you to congratulations. In Hawaii a lei is given to acknowledge a variety of occasions. Often high school graduates can be seen wearing so many lei that their faces are hidden under them!

Traditional lei are made of materials from nature such as flowers, shells, nuts, seeds, leaves, and grasses.

Modern lei can be made from paper, plastic, candy, fabric, or anything one can imagine.

Custom lei are often made for family occasions and personalized for the recipient.

The history of the lei is that it was brought to Hawaii by Polynesian voyagers. In 1927, a tradition was established designating May 1st as May Day/Lei Day complete with a lei festival now held annually at Kapiolani Park in Honolulu.

The library is hosting a small private collection of lei during the month of June.

A sampling of Hawaii travel books will be alongside the display for your borrowing pleasure.